The directive requires that medical patient radiation exposure must be justified and optimized prior to an X-ray exam so that the net benefit of the procedure to the patient outweighs the risk of the radiation exposure. In addition, medical radiological procedures performed on asymptomatic individuals (i.e. for early disease detection) also require specific documented justification and the need to inform the exam subject. Protection of radiology staff in all working conditions must be based on the ALARA principle of radiation exposure, ensuring that staff exposure is kept as low as reasonably and economically possible.